Originally Posted by SCJP

You're the expert, but do you really need all that gear? A front squat machine, seated side lateral machine, etc. - I'm sure you could halve the amount of equipment, thus saving a small fortune & it would have no detrimental impact on the venture. This is how I would want a gym to be equipped so I decided that the investment at this stage was well worth it. This wasn't a kid let loose in a sweetshop reaction I can assure you. I need to equip the place as best I possibly can.

Listen to what Lewis says as well (perhaps you could get a shoelace tieing machine?). You can get plenty of cheaper, lower maintenance materials than slate, that would give the same feel of quality. Don't get conned by a poncy architect singing & dancing about some high end spec. that you don't need. Don't worry mate, nobody is going to con me, I have not employed an architect, it's all designed by us, and I have made damn sure to research every miniscule aspect of the costings & negotiate the best deal possible. I used to be a used car salesman bud, so haggling is my thing.
Finally, how are you going to manage the situation in respect of 'other' supps? Zero tolerance? I'm not into this side of training, but given the nature of the business, I should imagine you could get some nasty (not that you're nice & fluffy, but I think you get my point) or stupid folk trying to extort a little extra cash from you. Not quite with you there bud, but I can stock whatever I need to. I have distributor access to anything I need, but I genuinely believe CNP to be the best. There are some products however that they do not make so I'll source them elsewhere, and at a damn good price. I have been in supplement distribution for some time already so that part is already well established.

Interesting thread, by the way.